Lanvin Belt

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Just as colorful sprinkles or ornate chocolate shavings can elevate a simple cake into a divine dessert, an elaborate accessory can transform an interesting frock into a truly awe-inspiring look. Just take the Lanvin F/W 11 show, for example! Alber Elbaz served up a number of enticing accessories-including ladylike bags, penny loafers, and wide-brim hats-but it was the designer's spectacular, crystal-embellished belts that really took the collection's fashionably austere ensembles to a whole other level of chic. At first sight, we knew these show-stopping pieces were a must for the holiday season, not to mention, an excellent inspiration for our October Do It Yourself project-and it turns out, we were right!

Though an investment for sure, these Lanvin belts-like the Crystal-Encrusted Clover Belt ($1890) and the Crystal-Encrusted Flower Belt ($1290)-are the perfect statement pieces, as they embody enough glitz and glamour to upgrade almost any look. Whether you use it to dress up a sweater dress, as seen in the runway image above, or to cinch a floor-grazing evening gown, consider these belts a fall accessory must-have!

Of course if you love the look, but can't quite commit to the budget-busting price tag, you can always take the more creative route and make your very own dazzling belt! Per usual we enlisted the help of Erica Domesek, the D.I.Y. genius behind P.S. I Made This, who with just a few ingredients and some easy-to-follow steps whipped up a Lanvin-inspired belt that is sure to be a crowd pleaser! So if you're feeling crafty, read on for all the need-to-know instructions and you'll have an eye-catching belt in no time at all!-Jessica Baker

1. Before cutting the ribbon, measure your natural waist-where the belt should hit-then add 12 inches to that number. (For example, if your waist is 25" around, you'll need 37" of ribbon. The extra inches will allow you to tie the belt around your waist.) Once you have the correct number, cut a piece of double satin ribbon to that length. Set ribbon aside.

2. Now it's time to make the glitzy part of the belt! Place the yard of black felt in front of you, then arrange the sequin patches to create a design you like. PS: it's okay if they overlap.

3. Once you are happy with how you've placed the patches, apply fabric glue to the back of each one and adhere to the felt. Hold in place for a few seconds to help set.

4. After your sequin patches are dry, it's time to trim the felt! Snip any extra felt around the outside edges of the sequin patches; the goal is to give it a clean and finished edge.

5. Once you have cut out the sequin design, attach it to the center of the ribbon using a generous amount of the fabric glue. PS: A glue gun also works as well.